Lloydminster Bobcats goaltender Austin McGrath turned in a sterling performance, stopping all 43 shots directed his way for his first career AJHL shutout as the Lloydminster Bobcats defeated the Bonnyville Pontiacs 2-0 at the RJ Lalonde Arena on Tuesday night.
Chasetan Braid and Zach Webb chipped in with a goal and an assist each, providing more than enough support on a night when their goaltender was dialed in right from puck drop.
After a deadlocked first period, the Cats got on the board late in the second when Webb jumped on a loose puck in the offensive zone, dishing it across for Braid who hammered home a one-timer for his eighth goal of the season. The goal stood up as the eventual game winner, which is the team-leading fourth of the year for the former Pontiac.
In the third, the Bobcats penalty kill was tested early on two consecutive minors, but the team got the job done and ultimately went 4-for-4 on the kill on the night.
On a power play of their own later in the period, Rob Johnson took a stretch pass up ice for a two-on-one with Webb, and drew the defender over before dishing across, setting up the final goal of the night. The goal was Webb's 14th on the year, and sixth on the power play, both the highest totals on the team.
McGrath made 16 saves in the first, 12 in the second, and 15 in the third to lock down the victory.
The Bobcats now find themselves just one point behind both Drayton Valley and Grande Prairie for the final playoff spot in the Viterra AJHL North Division, and will host Grande Prairie for a pair of games on Friday and Saturday at the Civic Centre.